2 officials hurt in Ohio HS game fight

[Blue37]

Originally Posted by SWFLguy

Why aren't officials given better security. Imagine DQ-ing everyone--calling the game and having to walk through irate fans to get to your locker room and/or cars ? It is time we demand uniformed protection at all games. If college coaches can have state police etc. escorting them---officials should have a similar protection, at least local police or sheriffs.
We should demand nothing less.

My state mandates them. The uniformed officer is required to come to the field approximately fifteen minutes before kickoff and let the referee know his/her name and where he/she will be stationed during the game. They are to confirm where the officer will meet the crew as they leave the field at half and at the end of the game. Most schools make an announcement over the PA system to draw attention to the meeting and explain why the officer is there. We do appreciate the presence and I am not aware of any instance in football where an official has been accosted by a fan in several years. The state association makes annual reports of such incidents.

I think this requirement is also in effect for basketball, but no other sports.